Saint Mary Magdalene: Prophetess of Eucharistic Love

I have a deep personal admiration for Mary Magdalene, so when my priest recommended that I read this specific book about her, I was intrigued. There is not much written on the early saint, so I was very excited to read what Fr. Sean Davidson had to say in this rare reflection of her life. First, the book lays out what Fr. Davidson calls the "identification theory.” This theory holds that Mary Magdalene is the same woman as the unnamed sinner who anointed the feet of Jesus in Luke 7 as well as Mary of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus and Martha. When I began reading, I will admit I was quite skeptical of this idea. I had always known Magdalene to be a separate character than these other women, so I was not so comfortable imagining them as one, but Fr. Davidson had me convinced in his theory after just one chapter. Saint Mary Magdalene’s story is one of repentance, redemption, and devout adoration and there is so much to gain from understanding her complexities. The author of this book took liberties based on early tradition to imagine specific scenes in Mary’s conversion and walk with Christ. He paints a powerful image of a woman who got lost in the world searching for anything that could fulfill her, but when she finally found Jesus, the one who forgave her sins and brought her peace, she could long for nothing else. Mary met Christ and her life was forever changed. She would spend the rest of her days following him, falling to her knees before him, kissing his feet, and adoring him. Fr. Davidson beautifully explores how Magdalene went from the home of seven demons to the very first person Jesus appeared to after his Resurrection, the very Apostle to the Apostles. I loved every page of this book; it is rooted in Scripture and Tradition and provides deep spiritual insights and parallels. Anyone who wishes to learn what it means to love the Lord truly and ardently, will find what they are looking for in this book.